feature: Preventing theft from vehicles
5 February 2008
Police and Haringey Council are joining forces to clamp down on thefts from vehicles.
A leaflet warning motorists not to leave valuables in their cars is now being posted on pay and display meters around the borough.
The leaflet warns motorists that it only takes ten seconds for a thief to steal from a car and it is imperative motorists do not leave things on view.
Despite a drop in many crimes in Haringey, theft from motor vehicles is still rising. Evidence from police is clear that when people take care to remove or hide from view valuable items, far fewer burglaries take place.
Although there has been a steady increase in theft of Satellite Navigation Systems (sat nav), audio equipment is still most likely to be stolen.
Safer Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Shaun De Souza Brady, says:
“With so much expensive portable equipment being left in cars these days, it is very important to check what is in view before leaving your car. Also, make sure that you don’t leave bags on car seats as these are likely to be stolen too.
“If people take care they will also not have the inconvenience of a smashed window to deal with as well as the loss of goods.
“A ‘smash and grab’ type offence can be over within seconds but if people take care they will protect their goods and their cars.
“If you have electrical items such as a sat nav, take a note of the serial number and register it on www.immobilise.com (external link) and make sure that you remove the tell-tale cradle and suction mark from the windscreen. Police, Haringey Council and other partners are working to make Haringey safer by implementing high visibility patrols and special operations to deter and catch those involved in vehicle crime.”
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